A professional on the H-1B visa, who wished to remain anonymous, faced a stressful situation after cutting short a trip to India to return to the US. The urgency stemmed from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Friday, which initially appeared to impose a $100,000 fee for skilled foreign worker visa applicants, effective Sunday.
While the White House later clarified that current H-1B visa holders were not affected by this one-time fee and could re-enter the US as usual, the initial announcement caused significant panic. Immigration lawyers had already advised individuals outside the US to return promptly to avoid the potential fee increase.
The H-1B visa program is crucial for many skilled workers in the US, particularly those from India, who represent over 70% of the 85,000 visas issued annually. Many of these professionals have been living and working in the US for years, contributing to various industries.
The individual recounted spending over $8,000 in just eight hours to secure and rebook flights, driven by the fear of missing the deadline and facing severe financial implications. “Even if there was a slight delay, I’d have missed the deadline,” he expressed, reflecting on the chaotic experience. He shared his feelings of being unwanted despite contributing to the US economy for over a decade, expressing concern for his family’s future.
The confusion highlights the impact of policy changes on individuals and families, even when clarifications are issued. The episode underscores the precariousness faced by many skilled workers navigating the complexities of US immigration policies.